DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.

N-Propylnorlysergic acid N,N-diethylamide (also known as 6-Propyl-6-nor-lysergic acid diethylamide[1], N-PropylnorLSD[1] or simply PRO-LAD[1]) is a novel synthetic research psychedelic of the lysergamide chemical class that is reported to produce a similar, less intense array of LSD-likepsychedelic effects when administered. It is a close structural homolog of LSD and was first documented by Alexander Shulgin in his book TiHKAL ("Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved"), in which one report remarks that it is "good for humor, even excellent... very good for clear thinking, although not cosmic-type particularly."[2]

PRO-LAD was first investigated by Andrew J. Hoffman and David E. Nichols in 1984 as part of a series of LSD analogs, which included compounds. AL-LAD and ETH-LAD. [3]. It was later described as an analog of LSD by Alexander Shulgin in the book TiHKAL. It has been reported to be around as potent as LSD itself with an active dose reported at between 100 and 200 micrograms.[2]

Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of PRO-LAD, and it has little history of human usage. It has recently become appeared on the market alongside research chemical psychedelic lysergamides like 1P-LSD and AL-LAD as a legal, grey-market alternative to LSD, and commercially distributed through online research chemical vendors, and is considered to be the most difficult to obtain. It is highly advised to approach this unstudied hallucinogenic substance with the proper amount of precaution and harm reduction practices if one chooses to use it.

Chemistry

Substitutive structure of a lysergamide.

Composition

PRO-LAD, or 6-propyl-6-nor-lysergic acid diethylamide, is a semisynthetic alkaloid of the lysergamide family. PRO-LAD is a structural analog of lysergic acid, with an N,N-diethylamide functional group bound to RN of the chemical structure. This core polycyclic structure is an ergoline derivative, and has overlapping tryptamine and phenethylamine groups embedded within it (although it is principally classed as a tryptamine).

PRO-LAD's structure contains a bicyclic hexahydroindole fused to a bicyclic quinoline group (nor-lysergic acid). Unlike LSD, PRO-LAD does not contain a methyl group substituted at R6 of its nor-lysergic acid skeleton, this is represented by the nor- prefix. Instead, PRO-LAD is substituted at R6 with a propyl group. At carbon 8 of the quinoline a N,N-diethyl carboxamide is bound.

PRO-LAD is a derivative of LSD, differing by the addition of two carbons to the methyl group at R6 of the structure to form a propyl chain. PRO-LAD is also homologous to ETH-LAD, which contains an ethyl substitution at R6 instead of a propyl chain.

Stereochemistry

PRO-LAD is a chiral compound with two stereocenters at R5 and R8. PRO-LAD, also called (+)-D-PRO-LAD, has an absolute configuration of (5R, 8R).

Pharmacology

PRO-LAD likely acts as a 5-HT2Apartial agonist. The psychedelic effects are believed to come from PRO-LAD's efficacy at the 5-HT2A receptors. However, the role of these interactions and how they result in the psychedelic experience continues to remain an object of scientific elucidation.

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWikicontributors. These effects should be taken with a grain of salt and will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier doses will increase the chances of inducing a full range of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include serious injury or death.

Physical effects

Spontaneous physical sensations - The "body high" of PRO-LAD can be characterized as prominent in comparison to its accompanying visual and cognitive effects. Like LSD, it can behave as a fast-moving, sharp and location specific or generalized tingling sensation, although this feeling is not necessarily pleasant and often manifests in a neutral way. For some, it is manifested spontaneously at different, unpredictable points throughout the trip, but for most, it maintains a steady presence that rises with the onset and hits its limit once the peak has been reached, which many users have reported as feeling "artificial" or "mechanical."

Physical euphoria - This component can occur with the development of spontaneous bodily sensations, but is not as consistent as it is with LSD.

Teeth grinding - This component is considerably less intense when compared with that of substances like MDMA and happens more readily than with related substances like LSD.

Seizure - This is a very rare effect but can likely happen in those predisposed to them, especially while in physically taxing conditions such as being dehydrated, fatigued or undernourished. However, it should be noted that there are no documented cases of seizures occurring with this compound to date.[citation needed]

The visual geometry that is commonly present throughout this trip can be generally described as more similar in appearance to that of MET or 2C-E than psilocin, LSA or DMT. It can be comprehensively described through its variations as primarily intricate in complexity, algorithmic in form, structured in organization, brightly lit, colourful in scheme, synthetic in feel, multicoloured in scheme, flat in shading, sharp in edges, large in size, fast in speed, smooth in motion, angular in its corners, immersive in-depth and consistent in intensity. At higher dosages, it may almost consistently result in states of Level 8A or Level 8B visual geometry.[citation needed]

Cognitive effects

The cognitive effects of PRO-LAD can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. In comparison to other psychedelics such as ETH-LAD and 2C-E, PRO-LAD is often described as significantly more slow-paced and LSD-like in terms of the specific style of thought stream(s) produced and contains a large number of potential effects, which, it should be noted seems to lead to cognitive and general sensory processing overload at moderate to high doses for reasons that are not currently understood.
The most prominent of these cognitive effects generally include:

Auditory effects

Multi-sensory effects

Synaesthesia - In its fullest manifestation, this is a very rare and non-reproducible effect. Increasing the dosage can increase the likelihood of this occurring, but seems to only be a prominent part of the experience among those who are already predisposed to synaesthetic states.

It should be noted that these effects are the rarest and least reproducible those that can occur during a psychedelic experience. They are considered unique in that that simply taking more of the substance does not necessarily increase the chance they will occur, and are said to rely more on contextual factors such as the user's set and setting rather than the substance or dose itself. Their fullest manifestations are sometimes called "peak", "transcendent" or "transformative" experiences; however, they can still occur on a conceptual or cognitive level that can leave a lasting positive impact on the user.

Combinational effects

Cannabis - When used in conjunction with cannabis, both the visual and cognitive effects of PRO-LAD can be intensified and extended with extreme efficiency. This should be used with caution if one is not experienced with psychedelics. Many users sometimes report a dramatically more intense visual trip when combining it with THC concentrates such as hashish as opposed to cannabis flower. However, this can also amplify the anxiety, confusion and psychosis producing aspects of both substances significantly, so extreme caution with this combination is advised.

Dissociatives - When used in combination with dissociatives, the geometry, euphoria, dissociation and hallucinatory effects are often greatly enhanced. Dissociative-induced holes, spaces, and voids while under the influence of PRO-LAD have significantly more vivid visuals than dissociatives alone present, and more intense internal hallucinations and confusion.

MDMA - When used in conjunction with MDMA, the physical and cognitive effects of MDMA are amplified. The visual, physical and cognitive effects of PRO-LAD are also intensified with an overwhelming euphoric pleasure manifested through uniquely pleasurable body highs and headspaces, and uniquely colorful and awe-inspiring visuals. It is often recommended to wait at least three to four hours after ingesting PRO-LAD to take MDMA so as to avoid coming down from the latter while peaking on the former, but positive experiences have been reported with all possible timings. The synergy between these substances is unpredictable (and likely neurotoxic)[citation needed], and it is best to start with lower dosages than one would take for both substances individually.

Alcohol - This interaction is not typically recommended due to alcohol’s ability to cause dehydration, depression and thought disorganization which can negatively affect a trip if taken in high dosages. This combination is however reasonably safe in low doses and when used responsibly, this can often take the edge off a trip as well as dull its psychedelic effects in a fashion somewhat similar to benzodiazepines, albeit more stressful on the body.

Benzodiazepines - When used in combination with benzodiazepines, benzodiazepines can, depending on the dosage, slightly to completely reduce the intensity of the cognitive, physical and visual effects of a PRO-LAD trip. They are very efficient at stopping bad trips at the cost of amnesia and reduced trip intensity. Caution is advised when acquiring them for this purpose due to the very high addiction potential that benzodiazepines possess.

Psychedelics - When used in combination with other psychedelics, each drug's physical, cognitive and visual effects intensify and synergize strongly. The synergy between those substances is unpredictable, and for this reason generally not advised. If choosing to combine psychedelics, it is recommended to start with lower dosages than one would take for either substance individually.

Toxicity and harm potential

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational PRO-LAD do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dose is unknown. This is because PRO-LAD is a research chemical with very little history of human usage. Anecdotal evidence from people within the psychonaut community who have tried PRO-LAD suggests that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying the drug by itself at low to moderate doses and using it very sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

Tolerance and addiction potential

While no formal studies have been conducted, PRO-LAD is likely not habit-forming and it is reasonable to speculate that the desire to use it can actually decrease with repeated administratino. As with most psychedelics, it likely possesses what is considered an intrinsic, self-regulating aspect to it.

Tolerance to the effects of PRO-LAD are built almost immediately after ingestion. After that, it takes about 5-7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 14 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). PRO-LAD presents cross-tolerance with all psychedelics, meaning that after the consumption of PRO-LAD all psychedelics will have a reduced effect.

Dangerous interactions

Although many substances are safe on their own, they can become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below contains some common potentially dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. Certain combinations may be relatively harmless in low doses of each but can still increase the risk of unpredictable injury or death. Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption. Note that the substances listed below refer to LSD specifically; however, there is no reason to believe they do not apply equally, if not even more so, to relatively unstudied and structurally similar compounds like AL-LAD as well.

Lithium - Individuals who take lithium for bipolar disorder or other psychiatric conditions should not take LSD. There are numerous anecdotal reports of seizures and or unsafe psychosis from this combination.[9][10][11][12]